Bosnia-Herzegovina is a small country chat's had an amazing inJluence onthe history of Europe a11d the world. le formed the heart of Shakespeare's Illyria.For centuries, its people were a mainstay of the Roman Empire,providing it with elite troops and several of its greatest emperors.In Bosnian Phoenix, author Miljan Peter Ilich offers a novel and enlighteningperspective on the astounding historical importance of Bosnia.He emphasizes the resilience of the country throughout its evolution from itsancient historical roots. Its territory has fluctuated, but the basic geographicalextent of what is defined as Bosnia and Herzegovina has been remarkablystable for a long rime. Ilich offers an understanding of the conflictualrelations in Bosnia by analyzing the inadequately recognized centuries-long significance of that nationin regional and European affairs. For about a century, Bosnia took the lead in defending Europe fromTurkish invasions and was a champion of religious liberty within the Christian world.llich maintains chat since Bosnia and Herzegovina haslong been a multiethnic society, its history aids in theunderstanding of social evolution in ocher mulciechnic societies.The Bosnian story will be meaningful co peoplein other countries since, with increased globalization,the entire world is fast becoming one huge, complex,multierhnic society. Bosnian Phoenix addresses a hostof myths about Bosnia and presents insight into this country and what it offers co the world.